Cabins for every camping style dot the landscape around Boyce, Virginia. The area sits in the northern Shenandoah Valley at elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet, creating mild temperatures ideal for year-round cabin stays. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 20°F, making off-season cabin camping a viable option when tent camping isn't practical.
What to do
River activities: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers riverside recreation opportunities, with one camper noting, "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot." The park's river access makes it ideal for water activities during summer months.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Big Meadows Campground connects directly to Shenandoah National Park paths. "Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park. This state park is adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and is just as beautiful and rich in history!" reports a visitor. Most trails range from 1-5 miles and are well-marked with difficulty ratings.
Off-road adventures: The Cove Campground maintains an extensive trail network for ATVs and off-road vehicles. A regular visitor shared, "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer." The trails vary in difficulty and are mapped at the registration office.
What campers like
Rustic river sites: Low Water Bridge Campground features tent sites right on the Shenandoah. One camper explains, "The campground offers adventures like rafting, biking, tubing and zip lining to name a few. If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry." Most riverside sites cost $5-10 more than standard sites.
Privacy options: The Cove Campground offers secluded cabins away from the main campground. "Campsites were spacious and mostly level. The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly," notes a visitor. The most private cabins are located in the western section of the property.
Winter availability: Unlike seasonal options, Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA remains open year-round. "The whole park is quiet and well-maintained," observed one winter visitor. Heated cabins start at $89/night during off-season months and include basic kitchenettes.
What you should know
Varying bathroom facilities: Cabin camping experiences differ significantly in bathroom quality. At The Cove Campground, one camper noted, "The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross." Most cabin sites require a 5-15 minute walk to bathroom facilities.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," reported a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor. Most cabins don't offer WiFi, though some lodges maintain limited connectivity.
Transportation needs: Many cabin locations require personal transportation. The Dyrt reviewer stated about Neff Treehouse, "Off the beaten path if you want a quiet retreat, but not too far from lots of interesting places and things to do nearby, in the hamlet of Mt Hope or in the town of Strasburg." Most cabin sites are 10-30 minutes from grocery stores and restaurants.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Harpers Ferry Campground offers family-centric cabin options with river access. "Great place! Lots to do on-site. Tent camped and really had a great time. Harper's Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit," notes one visitor. The campground features cabin units specifically designed for families with 4-6 members.
Educational opportunities: Big Meadows Campground includes ranger programming for children. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," shared a family camper. During summer months, daily programs cover wildlife identification, geology, and local history.
Pet policies: Most cabins allow pets but enforce specific rules. One camper at Low Water Bridge Campground shared their experience: "Took my 8yr old there this past weekend. His 1st time camping and he loved it. The staff was great from beginning to end. Their store had everything that we had forgotten with good prices." Pet fees typically range from $10-25 per night depending on the property.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require significant leveling. A visitor to Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA pointed out, "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air." Request site-specific photos before booking if traveling with large RVs.
Water hookup status: Water accessibility varies seasonally at many locations. "Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter. Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean," noted a Big Meadows Campground visitor in late November. Most campgrounds disconnect water between December-February, though cabin facilities typically maintain running water year-round.
